150 CPA members turned out to a standing-room-only breakfast seminar to discuss Chinese Investment in the City of London on 11 July. The event was held in Landing 42 of the Leadenhall building and was kindly sponsored by CC Land. Coverage of the event from Estates Gazette can be found here (paywall).
Members heard from Christopher Hayward, (Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation), who emphasised the significant draws of Square Mile real estate to Chinese investors, as well as the opportunities presented by the Belt and Road Initiative. You can read his full speech here.
Following Christopher, Stephen Pearson (Executive Director of Investment Properties at CBRE) delivered a presentation covering some of the key trends in overseas and Chinese investment into the City. He explained an emerging trend for Chinese investment to move up the risk profile, and also the diversification of such investment, coming from insurance, sovereign and private wealth sources.
Giles Barrie (Senior Managing Director at FTI Consulting) moderated the seminar’s panel discussion which looked at the various elements of Chinese Investment in the City and wider Central London, with expert opinions from across the property sector.
Opening the panel discussion, Adam Goldin (Head of UK at CC Land) explained their long-term investment strategy, and how the City’s reliable yields and proven history made it a logical fit for CC Land. Adam also discussed the steps CC Land was taking to promote openness and engagement with and between tenants, including those in the Leadenhall Building.
Following Adam, Geyunag Huang (Head of China at London & Partners) outlined some of the steps taken by her team to promote Chinese investment into the City and outer London boroughs by connecting investors with local partners, as part of a concerted strategy to deliver the Mayor’s strategic goal of “a City for all Londoners”.
Chris Harvey (Partner at Mayer Brown) gave members a detailed overview of the regulatory environment and capital controls bearing on outgoing Chinese investment, and the various routes taken by Chinese investment into the City, including through Hong Kong.
Loris Tinacci (Associate Partner at London & Oriental) drew members attention to a number of proposed solutions to co-ordinate an investment strategy amongst overseas investors in the City, to maximise the potential gains from planned development, as well as updating members on their management of 100 Leadenhall Street on behalf of their Chinese clients.
John Miu (Chief Operating Officer at ABP) explained the rationale behind their acquisition of the Royal Albert Docks, the only Enterprise Zone in the South East, drawing on the history of successful regeneration projects in London including Canary Wharf, White City, and Stratford.
A lively panel discussion followed during the Q&A, and owing to the fantastic location and clear skies, members stayed long after the official close to enjoy panoramic views.
For more information
City of London – Greater China
London and Partners – Spotlight on China
